A Backward Glance at Eighty eBook

The undistributed outside lands to be disposed of
comprised eighty-four hundred acres. The supervisors
determined to reserve one thousand acres for a park.
Some wanted to improve the opportunity to secure without
cost considerably more. The Bulletin advocated
an extension that would bring a bell-shaped panhandle
down to the Yerba Buena Cemetery, property owned by
the city and now embraced in the Civic Center.
After long consideration a compromise was made by
which the claimants paid to those whose lands were
kept for public use ten per cent of the value of the
lands distributed. By this means 1,347.46 acres
were rescued, of which Golden Gate Park included 1,049.31,
the rest being used for a cemetery, Buena Vista Park,
public squares, school lots, etc. The ordinances
accomplishing the qualified boon to the city were fathered
by McCoppin and Clement. Other members of the
committee, immortalized by the streets named after
them, were Clayton, Ashbury, Cole, Shrader, and Stanyan.

The story of the development of Golden Gate Park is
well known. The beauty and charm are more eloquent
than words, and John McLaren, ranks high among the
city’s benefactors.

The years from 1860 to 1870 marked many changes in
the character and appearance of San Francisco.
Indeed, its real growth and development date from
the end of the first decade. Before that we were
clearing off the lot and assembling the material.
The foundation of the structure that we are still
building was laid in the second decade. Statistics
establish the fact. In population we increased
from less than 57,000 to 150,000—­163 per
cent. In the first decade our assessed property
increased $9,000,000; in the second, $85,000,000.
Our imports and exports increased from $3,000,000
to $13,000,000. Great gain came through the silver
production, but greater far from the development of
the permanent industries of the land—­grain,
fruit, lumber—­and the shipping that followed
it.

The city made strides in growth and beauty. Our
greatest trial was too much prosperity and the growth
of luxury and extravagance.

CHAPTER VI

LATER SAN FRANCISCO

In a brief chapter little can be offered that will
tell the story of half a century of life of a great
city. No attempt will be made to trace its progress
or to recount its achievement. It is my purpose
merely to record events and occurrences that I remember,
for whatever interest they may have or whatever light
they may throw on the life of the city or on my experience
in it.

For many years we greatly enjoyed the exhibits and
promenade concerts of the Mechanics’ Institute
Fairs. The large pavilion also served a useful
purpose in connection with various entertainments demanding
capacity. In 1870 there was held a very successful
musical festival; twelve hundred singers participated
and Camilla Urso was the violinist. The attendance
exceeded six thousand.